HAIR

FINALLY I have chosen to learn to love my NATURAL hair. It’s something that took me over 12years to embrace. NATURAL HAIR IS I! I have done everything to my hair from chemicals to weave. Although I depended on weave, I found my comfort zone and that is NATURAL. My hair was cut short and instead of getting a sew-in I decided to wear my NATURAL hair. It’s the best decision that I have made.

My NEW CHALLENGE is finding the correct products that will work best my hair. I have used countless natural hair products and spent an arm and a leg. As of right now I am in love with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner. I was and condition my hair with these products every other day.  I use both Mizani Rose H2O Conditioning Hairdress and Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner on a daily basis. If anyone else know of any other good products or any good NATURAL hair remedies please educate me. Because NATURAL is new to me and I’m still learning. 

 

Introduction

I’m a pretty girl, lost in an ugly world…just trying to find some peace. I think I’m a person that makes life more complicated…more than it has to be. I’m not on here hoping someone will discover me, I’m no fashionista, I’m no hip hop connoisseur and I’m for damn sure not on here to make friends…just on here to find some peace within my CRAZY world called LIFE. (word to the wise…I’m not a dictionary…I can’t spell…so if grammar, spelling, and punctuation is what you’re looking for I don’t know what to tell you)

My name is Naferteria Corbert and I have a lot going on. I’m a mother to three wonderful kids (two boys and one girl). I work part-time and I’m a full-time student. I’m attending Northeastern Illinois University as a Biology Major and Chemistry Minor. I’m in the most complicated relationship there is. I love him but he’d rather fuck with hoes (that’s a subject that I’m pretty sure I will touch on later). I’m very out going and I’m in love with the people who are in my world (and to tell you the truth that’s not many). My main focus in life is trying to find that path that God wants me to be on. I’m a strong believer in God; I believe that Jesus has died on the cross for me and sent His Son to pay the price. But I’m no angel. I have my many flaws and I’m very thankful that my Father is forgiving.

I decided to write on this blog as an outlet…not for acceptance nor recognition. This is my diary. This is my way of letting go of things that have been bottled up for so long and things that I can’t express vocally. Nine times out of ten the stuff that I will share will not be scripted nor censored. I have a potty mouth and that is something I am working on, but hey no one is perfect. I try, but I fall short of perfection. Enough said,  hope I can help women work on their issues as I work on mine. I am a very open person and I love feedback and advise…so if you feel I can learn a thing or two from you please share.

Besos…Naferteria

What ARE We Doing?

So I’ve decided to try this blogging thing out… One more time. In the past I’ve tried a few blogs via Tumblr or Blogger… mainly composed of a lot of web images of objects I want or people I envy… you know, the trendy images of Kim Kardashian in gorgeous Louboutins or Beyoncé and Jay-Z frolicking in Central Park… My past blog efforts were composed of images and songs and media snippets that had very little to do with me and my day-to-day mess. This effort, however, will capitalize on my mess! No. Seriously. One day it just clicked – there has to be people (more specifically — WOMEN) out there going through the daily mess that I’m going through! There has to be a fairly large group of individuals who are dying to find a voice that they can relate to online; a voice that can push the envelope of daily routines and actually expose how a person makes it through an emotional, personal abyss! Not to make it seem like the intent of this blog is to journal depression and sad days, because that’s hardly it. But the goal is to create a total and absolutely vivid mirror that captures my daily activity, thoughts, dreams, challenges, trials and triumphs… through written words, dialogues and images… with hopes that on the other side of this mirror, is a network of individuals that can dialogue and support each other.

And who am I? Ha. Gosh if I even really know. Although I am determined to find out. I guess I can state the basics. After all, this is the introductory post! My name is Courtney Lin Watkins. Yes, I included my middle name, I always do. I believe it adds to my character. Courtney Lin has almost a southern flow to it, but the fact that my middle name is spelled L-I-N instead of Lynn of Lyn adds to the complexity! At least, I think so.. If you don’t agree, please just allow me to feel myself a little. Anyway, I clearly got sidetracked…Let me continue with my list of “I Am’s” as I like to call them. Perhaps when I’m done you will feel like you know me a bit.

(In no particular order…)

I am 27. And I feel like that is as old as old can be. I remember 21 and weep. Seriously.

I am single……………….. Yes. SMH. (YES I AM SHAKING MY HEAD.) I would definitely prefer to be in a meaningful relationship but I’m sure I’m single right now for a reason…

I am a single mother.

I am a new mother. My baby girl is about to be 6 months old. The love of my life, you will be hearing a lot about her.

I am Black. African-American. A Woman of Color. However you want to put it, I’m not extremely picky about this.

I am educated. I have a Master’s Degree in Media Management and a Bachelor’s in Media Studies. My academic pursuits were concentrated in the area of Public Relations as well as understanding Media as a tool and vehicle for Urban Youth Culture.

I am Christian. Saved. A Daughter of the Kingdom. But I won’t pretend to act like I know everything there is to know about this identity. It’s a process, and I’m daily learning more and more about my Walk. And I know that as soon as I state that I’m a Christian, I’ve opened myself up to all sorts of scrutiny and judgement… that’s cool, bring it on! Hopefully I opened myself up to creating an online fellowship and community of support of a new sort as well.

I am natural. Natural-Haired, that is. I’ve been natural for a little over a year. I big-chopped right after I found out I was pregnant in January 2011. What a journey… More on these hair issues later tho…

I am plus-sized. A size 16/18 right now. A curvy, chubby, chunky bottle of joy. I’ve been plus-sized for the majority of my life, but my weight has always fluctuated. I’m not at my biggest right now, but… I’d be more comfortable a bit smaller. I don’t mind being considered plus-sized, though I don’t capitalize on it like some plus-sized fashionistas…I love my curves, but would love to reel them in a bit as well.

I am living at home with my parents……………………. yes.

I am currently unemployed.

I am currently fighting a meltdown brought on by every job search engine ever to grace the world-wide web.

I am a foodie. Obsessed with the Food Network and the Cooking Channel; an avid reader of cookbooks; a lover of restaurants, diners, dives, grocery stores and markets; and a cook! Dare I include, an aspiring caterer?

Okay…. I think that’s all I have right now. So even after articulating that list of “I Am’s” … I still have a hard time really defining myself. Articulating who I am in terms of, what makes me tick, what drives my character and fuels my passions. Daily it seems that I have the same question: What is holding me back from being my best ME? And furthermore, who is that best version of myself? Naferteria(my best friend and partner in this effort) began to discuss how we could stay motivated and encourage each other to become the women we want to be. Journaling (this may not be a word…) and Vision Boards were at the top of our lists of things to do. And then it clicked. Why not create an interactive journal and vision board… one that others could add to, learn from, relate to, and start conversations about. Because, Nafie and I can NOT be the only single mothers in our twenties, who feel the way we do…. physically, emotionally, professionally, educationally, occupationally  (I don’t think this is a word either, but you catch my drift), and spiritually LOST AND CONFUSED.

So, with all that said. Hello. My name is Courtney Lin. Thanks for stopping by our blog, please come back to visit often. We have a lot to discover.